FAQ improvement
What is an alginate?
Alginate is a component extracted from brown seaweed. Gaviscon products for adults contain sodium alginate. When Gaviscon comes into contact with stomach acid the alginate content begins to form a raft, or layer, on top of the stomach contents. This acts as a physical barrier that helps to keep stomach contents, including acid, in the stomach where they belong - helping to prevent them from refluxing (rising up) into the oesophagus (food pipe) where they can cause pain.
What is an antacid?
An antacid is a type of medicine that is alkaline in nature and works by neutralising excess acid. Most Gaviscon products contain antacids to neutralise stomach acid, in addition to sodium alginate which forms the raft.
Is Gaviscon suitable for use during pregnancy?
Nearly three quarters of all pregnant women suffer heartburn by the third trimester. Products in the Gaviscon range are effective and suitable to use during pregnancy. These include Gaviscon Liquid- Peppermint Flavour Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Liquid – Aniseed Flavour Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Peppermint Chewable Tablets, Gaviscon Extra Oral Suspension. Gaviscon acts physically in the stomach to neutralise acid and prevent the stomach contents refluxing (rising up) into the oesophagus (food pipe). They don't need to enter the bloodstream in order to work.
Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.
Is Gaviscon suitable for children?
Gaviscon Liquid- Peppermint Flavour Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Liquid – Aniseed Flavour Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Peppermint Chewable Tablets, Gaviscon Extra Oral Suspension are suitable for children over the age of 12. Children under 12 years should only take on medical advice.
Can you suffer from both heartburn and indigestion?
Yes, people can suffer from both conditions. In fact 73% of people suffer from heartburn and indigestion interchangeably.[1]
What is Gastro-oesophageal reflux?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux is the movement of stomach acid back up into the oesophagus. When the acid comes into contact with the sensitive lining of the oesophagus (food pipe) it can cause pain (heartburn). This is because the lining of the oesophagus isn't designed to withstand too much stomach acid for a long time - unlike the lining of the stomach.
Gaviscon works to neutralise stomach acid and also to prevent it coming back up into the oesophagus by forming a protective barrier on top of the stomach, at the base of the oesophagus.
What is Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)?
GORD is a condition where stomach acid leaks out of the stomach and into the oesophagus. It is a condition caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux (also known as GERD - utilising the American spelling 'esophagus').
Symptoms include heartburn and regurgitation.
Who suffers from heartburn and indigestion?
Everyone produces acid in their stomachs and since both heartburn and indigestion are associated with stomach acid, it's possible for anyone to suffer. As we mentioned, 73% of people suffer from heartburn and indigestion interchangeably. On top of this, one in five people who suffer from heartburn may experience symptoms every week.[2]
Are heartburn and indigestion related to age?
People of all ages can suffer from both heartburn and indigestion. Adults may suffer more frequently though, since these conditions are often related to lifestyle factors, such as diet, eating patterns, alcohol consumption, smoking and being overweight.
Can you avoid heartburn and indigestion?
Yes, it's possible to take certain measures to help avoid these conditions, but nothing is guaranteed. It can help by making dietary and / or lifestyle adjustments such as: avoid eating fatty or spicy foods (or anything that "triggers" these conditions), eating big meals or eating late at night. It can also help to stop smoking and lose weight if necessary.
What triggers heartburn and indigestion?
There are many possible triggers. The most common are: fatty foods, such as sausages, burgers and cheese and spicy foods like curries and chillies. Onions and tomatoes or tomato-based products, alcohol, caffeinated drinks and carbonated drinks are also well-known triggers. However, triggers can vary widely from person to person. Sometimes it may be due to a very specific ingredient and difficult to pinpoint.
All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. Gaviscon Liquid-Peppermint Flavour Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Liquid-Aniseed Flavour Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Peppermint Chewable Tablets Gaviscon Extra Oral Suspension and Gaviscon Extra Chewable Tablets contain sodium alginate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium carbonate. Always read the label. If symptoms are severe or last more than 7 days, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
